ength, and watch an opportunity to gain, if
possible, some further advantage over those who were scenting his track,
and thirsting for his blood.

Passing a considerable distance beyond a spot, which his well-trained
sagacity told him would be the natural resting place of his pursuers, he
retraced his steps, walking carefully backwards, and planting each step
with great precision, in the very tracks he had just made, so as
effectually to conceal the artifice of his return. In this way, he came
to a high rock, in which there was a considerable fissure, very narrow
at the top, but widening toward the ground, and so concealed by the
dense shrubbery that grew around, that it could only be discovered by
the most careful scrutiny. Into this fissure he thrust himself,
scrupulously replacing every leaf that had been disturbed by his
entrance, and adjusting the whole so as not to excite the slightest
suspicion in his keen-sighted enemies. Here he awaited their approach.

It was near night of the second day, when the Senecas reached the spring
where Ash-te-o-lah lay concealed, and where he had already rested nearly
a whole day. Following his track some distance beyond, and not doubting
he was yet in advance, they returned without suspicion to the spring,
lighted their fires, partook hastily of their simple meal, and laid
themselves down to sleep, in perfect security. They were five in number,
powerful men, and thoroughly armed, after their own peculiar fashion.
Ash-te-o-lah, from his narrow cavern, had watched all their movements.
He well knew that they slept soundly, for they had satisfied themselves
that no danger was near. But he also knew equally well how wakeful is
the sleep of an Indian, and how almost impossible it is to surprise him,
even in his soundest sleep. Every circumstance of his situation occurred
to him, to inspire him with heroism, and urge him to attempt an
impossibility, though his life was the certain forfeit of a failure. He
was naked, torn, and hungry. His enraged enemies, who had so recently
held him in their toils, and made him ready for a sacrifice, were now
come up with him. In their little camp was every thing to relieve his
wants. He would not only save his own life, but get great honor and
sweet revenge, if he should succeed in cutting them off.

Resolution, a convenient spot, and a sudden surprise, might effect this
main object of all his wishes and hopes. Creeping cautiously out from
his covert,